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EMS Synthi A Mk2
We are Brokering this instrument for and on behalf of our customer</strong>
Came into stock: November 2017.
Restoration Status: A full service by KSR has just been carried out in October, so this instrument is ready for sale now.
Remarks: We’re delighted to be able to offer an EMS Synthi A Mk2 to our customers who want to experience a vintage EMS but don’t need the extra expense/facility of the KS (Keyboard/Sequencer) that the AKS model offers.
Identical to the Synthi AKS (synth) in sound & operation, the Synthi A is the ultimate portable synth, packaged in the same Spartanite case and offering the endless programming possibilities through the matrix panel interface. EMS originally named the Synth A the “Portabella” which followed the naming conventions of its early synths like the “Putney (VCS3 Mk1)” and Cricklewood (DK1) keyboard etc.
The EMS Synthi A was first brought to the market by EMS the same year as Moog launched the Model D Minimoog to the world – an auspicious year for synth fans indeed! This example we are offering for sale is a later revision, an Mk2, and was manufactured during the Datanomics company ownership period which would have been between 1979 to 1982. The Mk2 Synth A is usually identifiable by the serial number and the power-conditioning components used internally. This particular Synthi A has a serial number of 4687.
Our client has had this Synth A in his family for many years and it originally belonged to his father who had made modifications to the synth. There are no documented notes on the mods, and after Kent at KSR had investigated this, he could not see ay internal connections that changed the normal function of the synth. These mods that you can see are drilled into the front panel, so it’s far from being a collector’s piece, but it might be worth considering having Robin at EMS undertake his suite of factory-mods to take advantage of these already made panel insertions…that is what we would do if it were ours. The other idea is to have the panel fully cosmetically restored (subject to quotation & T&Cs) to remove the holes and get the finish back to standard.
The above suggestions are all things for any future owner to consider, but overall, it does not affect the operation of the Synthi, which is now 100% perfect. The price on this has been lowered significantly below-market prices for a vintage EMS Synthi A, in order to reflect its cosmetic situation, but as a workhorse/studio instrument it will do the job nicely, and you get to save a lot of money.
Our client commissioned KSR to carry out an extensive ground-up overhaul to bring it up to a perfect operating specification, whilst ensuring its operational authenticity is preserved as much as possible. Electronic instruments of this age do need a minimum level of restoration, but we approach this kind of work sympathetically.
The restoration time & resources invested in this instrument by KSR include:
>Spartanite case deep-cleaned, re-finished & all hardware cleaned.
>Control Panels deep-cleaned.
>Every control component (potentiometers/switches/matrix panel), cleaned & lubricated
>Power-Supply re-capped & calibrated.
>Legacy Matrix Pins cleaned & tested.
>Full system-wide calibration & soak-test.
The above restorative work is the minimum we asked KSR to carry out as they would all need this level of attention due to their age, but In addition to the above, the following work can also be carried out by request. This is a costed option, so is additional to the sales price listed at the bottom of this page so please contact us for a quote:
*VCO stabilisation modification implemented in line with EMS guidelines.
*This Synthi A comes with (almost) a full complement of old matrix pins, although to be honest, these original 40-year-old pins are well past there best so we would recommend you also purchase a brand new (full) set of matrix pins, which we can source for you. although they are supplied from EMS directly, so ask us for a quote for these or contact Robin Wood at EMS directly.
This instrument operates on either EU/UK 220~240V or US110V via a front-panel switch. The instrument is sold with a 3-month warranty from RL Music and we will also include a user manual in PDF format and a brand new proprietary EMS UK-plug IEC power cable.
Note on Demos, and because…Covid: The Synthi A Mk2 is currently based in Surrey (UK) with our tech, Kent at KSR. Although there are strict Covid-19 restrictions in place throughout the UK at present, Kent has very kindly offered for anyone who would like to see and demo the Synthi before buying it, to demo it at his premises. Kent is able to set up the synth in a place that meets distancing rules, that’s safe for him and the customer, so if you want to check the synth it out then that option is open to you.
Alternately (recommended), Kent can produce short video demo’s to show the working condition of the Synthi A, but this is by request only. If we get a single request to do this then we will, of course, upload that to the KSR YouTube channel and probably just post it here in the listing, but Kent’s a very busy guy (good techs always are) so he’s not had the time to proactively do this for us and/or the Synthi A Mk2.
Packing & Shipping: We can ship this world-wide, although the packing & shipping cost is not included in the sale price below, and is subject to quotation. Again, the Covid issues are effecting our packing suppliers, so there may be some short delays in getting materials produced for shipping, although courier companies all seem to be operating normally. We are happy to discuss your requirements so please email us if you have any questions on the logistics.
Sales Price: £8,990 GBP
Availability: This Synthi A Mk2 is now SOLD – this page was updated on 13th November 2020.
Note on pictures, again due to Covid: Click on the thumbnail for higher resolution photo of the actual Synthi A Mk2 for sale. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, Kent has offered to photograph the Synthi at his premises in Surrey, so these photos come straight from him using the best photo-equipment he has available. It’s our workaround for the Covid issues/restrictions and we’re very grateful to Kent for helping us all out…but he’s like that.
If you require specific pictures not already featured of the instrument then please contact us so we can request that Kent at KSR can accommodate your request, but there may be a short delay in getting this done for us/you.
Pictures of the actual EMS Synthi A Mk2 for sale are below.
